HRS §471-17
When vets can help animals without being sued
This law protects licensed veterinarians who give emergency care to sick or injured animals without charging or expecting payment. They are not liable for damages unless they act with gross negligence or intentionally cause harm. Vets must keep a record of why they provided care under this rule.
The statute, as written — Exception to liability; emergency care; veterinarian-client-patient relationship
(a) Any veterinarian duly licensed under this chapter who, in good faith, without remuneration or expectation of remuneration, renders emergency care to a sick or injured animal at large shall not be liable to the owner of that animal for any civil damages resulting from the veterinarian's acts or omissions, except for damages as may result from the veterinarian's gross negligence or wanton acts or omissions. (b) A veterinarian duly licensed under this chapter may, in good faith, render necessary and prompt care and treatment to an animal patient without establishing a veterinarian-client-patient relationship if conditions do not allow the establishment of the relationship in a timely manner. A veterinarian who renders emergency treatment shall not be liable to the owner of the animal for any civil damages resulting from the veterinarian's acts or omissions, except for damages as may result from the veterinarian's gross negligence or wanton acts or omissions. (c) A veterinarian acting under this section shall make an appropriate record including the basis for proceeding under this section.
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